Ile aux Nattes in Madagascar is a one-of-a-kind destination that offers an incredible assortment of activities and excursions that will cater to everyone’s interests and preferences. Whether you’re an adventure junkie seeking an adrenaline rush or a serene individual looking for a peaceful environment to unwind, Ile aux Nattes has something for everyone.
You cannot miss the breathtaking snorkeling experience in crystal clear waters, witness firsthand its impressive pristine beaches through an exciting boat tour or take an invigorating hike in the lush green trails that this place has to offer. Take a moment to explore its beautiful villages and connect with the warm local population to gain an understanding of their traditions and way of living.
Don’t forget to indulge in the delectable local cuisine and immerse yourself in the rich Malagasy culture. There is never a dull moment in Ile aux Nattes with plenty of exciting activities to keep visitors entertained during their stay.
At Aurora Lodge, we work with our trusted local partners to arrange several amazing tours to the most worth-visiting sights in the area. You can book your experience by contacting us at hello@lodge-aurora.com or through our contact page. Come visit us and be captivated by the enchanting Ile aux Nattes in Madagascar.
Tour de Ile aux Nattes
Ile aux Nattes is a beautiful, secluded and very small island. That means, that you can sail all around it in just two hours – and in half a day, you get to see the most popular spots too.
This trip will take you around the island in a comfortable boat. You’ll get to see the entire island from the seafront, visit the lighthouse, the viewpoint of Maison Blanche, and – if you want – the local bakery, which is happy to show off the local baking methods. All in all, the trip takes about 4 hours.
The price includes the boat, the guide, and the visits, but if you wish to stay a moment at Maison Blanche and enjoy a drink or buy a snack at the local bakery, it’s at your own expense.
120.000/pax
Snorkeling Trip to the Barrier
On this half-day trip, you get to explore the marine life of Ile aux Nattes. your boat picks you up after breakfast, and off you go to the south barrier. It’s only about 30 minutes from the lodge. At the barrier, you’ll visit two sites with a variety of fish, and corals, and if you’re lucky, you might see a turtle, ray, or octopus.
On this trip, you’ll go with a comfortable boat and a crew of two. One will assist you in the ocean and guide you to the good spots; the other stays in the boat and keeps an eye out for you while you enjoy the experience. When you’ve finished exploring the reef, you’ll set the course back to the lodge in time for lunch. All in all the trip lasts about 4 hours.
If you’re not a great swimmer, don’t let that scare you. We’ll simply plan a trip in the calm waters within the lagune instead. There’s still plenty of interesting marine life to discover.
85.000/pax
Snorkling at Ilot Sable
Ilot Sable is a rare phenomenon on the east coast of Sainte Marie. In the middle of the ocean, four sand islands suddenly emerge. The sight is breathtaking.
On this excursion, you’ll leave with a boat from the shores of Aurora, and sail for about one hour to reach Ilot Sable. On the way there, you’ll learn about the cultural meaning of Fady’s, as Ilot Sable is considered a sacred place.
Upon arrival, you’ll spend some time walking on the sacred sand, collecting shells, and taking in the view and the feeling of the power of the ocean. When you’re ready to leave, our captain will take you to a beautiful reef just nearby, where you can enjoy the underwater life and the beautiful coral formations.
After having a great time underwater, you’ll get back in the boat and set sail towards Aurora.
120.000/pax
Guided Walking Tour of Ile aux Nattes
Discover the most popular sights and the local life on this introductory tour of Ile aux Nattes.
On this 3-hour walk, you’ll pass through the local villages, see breathtaking views, and hear all the stories of the history of Ile aux Nattes and its residents.
Besides the must-have views from the light-house and Maison Blanche, you’ll also see the local hospital, a bakery, and the cemetery, while experiencing the local life in the diverse villages of Ile aux Nattes. And of course, you’ll get an introduction to the plant- and animal life on the island – maybe you’ll even get to spot the island’s family of lemurs.
During the trip, you’ll make two pauses to have a cool drink, and you’ll visit local artisan shops.
45.000/pax
The Fadys (Taboos) at Ile aux Nattes
The Ancestral Culture of Madagascar is one of the most fascinating parts of everyday life on Ile aux Nattes.
On this tour, you honor the core of the Malagasy culture. You will learn about the Fady, and hear captivating stories from the past. The circuit shows you the island’s sacred places and explains to you the rules that have been set by those who walked the island before us.
You learn about sacred animals, Fady’s of specific to certain bloodlines, and get to show your respect to the ancestors yourself.
And on top of all that, you’ll enjoy some of the island’s most beautiful and desert places.
80.000/pax
Romantic Sunset Cruise
Looking to spice up the vacation with an unforgettable moment of romance? Look no further.
On this private sunset cruise, you’ll enjoy good wine, delicious snacks, and a moment of peace with each other. All to the beautiful view of the sunset.
You set sail around 17.30 from the beach at Aurora, and find a nice view spot in the lagoon. Here we open up a bottle of wine, put on some music (of your choosing) and lights, and serve a platter of snacks. You are free to swim from the boat, dance wildly on the tables, or spend the time silently enjoying each other.
The boat is yours for two hours, and we’ll have your dinner ready when you get back.
260.000/tour
Whale Watching
(Mid June – September)
Every year thousands of humpback whales make the trip to the waters around Madagascar to have their offspring. That is the cause of some incredible wildlife sightings.
If you’re keen on experiencing the magnificent mastodonts, we’ve got you covered; Whale Watching.
A Whale Watching excursion lasts about 2-3 hours. With a boat you go beyond the reef barrier where you’re skilled – and CETAMADA-certified – captain will take you on a search for some great whale sightings.
Note that there’s a very good chance of seeing whales, but there’s no guarantee.
Price: 150.000-190.000 per person
Visit the North of Sainte Marie
The natural pools. Waterfalls. Wild nature. Culture. The North of Sainte Marie has some amazing things to offer.
On this trip, you’ll go to the north to experience an entirely different scenery than on Ile aux Nattes. The north is wild, forested, and at a higher altitude, resulting in some beautiful springs and waterfalls.
It’s going to be a long but exciting day! You’ll part from the lodge in the morning and set course towards La Pointe. At La Pointe, your quad will be waiting, and off you go towards the north. The primary destination is the natural pools, but on your way there you’ll make stops at viewpoints, waterfalls, a lighthouse, and – if you wish – local villages.
370.000 per person – minimum 3 people.
A Day in Ambodifotatra
Discover the heart of Sainte Marie, Ambodifotatra, and travel back in history on a day full of captivating stories of the past and the pirates.
During this excursion, you visit the pirate museum, the pirate cemetery, and Ile aux Forban. But pirates are not all Ambodifotatra has to offer. You also get to visit the first church built in Madagascar, a historical gem with big cultural significance, and take a stroll down the city center, where you enjoy lunch at the restaurant of your choice.
The price of this activity includes all entrance fees and transport. Lunch, however, is at your own expense.
185.000/pax
East Coast Adventure
Discover the beautiful east coast of Sainte Marie on a tour that combines the turquoise charms of the Saint Marien lagoon alongside the unique flavors of the east coast.
You will depart early morning with boat and set sails (or rather motor) towards the east coast of Sainte Marie.
During the trip you see many breathtaking views in the less populated part of Sainte Marie, and take a swim from the boat. The east coast has the most beautiful clear sea, you’ve ever seen.
You willl make a stop at a local restaurant specializing in cooking crab, and while they prepare your food, you will visit a secluded beach for some beach fun. When lunch is ready, you sit down and enjoy a moment of tranquility.
After lunch, you get back in the boat, and sail through the Mangroves, before you head back home by the seaside.
250.000 Ariary per person. Half Price for children age 5 to 10 years. 3 people minimum. Lunch is included.
Scuba Diving with Bora Dive
Welcome all diving enthusiasts! In collaboration with a trusted and PADI-certified partner, you’re able to discover the waters around Sainte Marie.
Now, whether you’re an experienced or beginner diver, there’s a package for you. And have you decided to get a diving certificate, anything from Open Water (beginner) to Diver Master courses are offered under the wings of experienced divers.
And why check out the underwater environment in Sainte Marie? Because Sainte Marie and Ile aux Nattes are surrounded by a double coral barrier and were a hiding spot for pirates in en past. That’s the recipe for some pretty awesome diving!
Pricing differs substantially depending on the dive, course, and level. But to give you an idea, a beginners dive – including basic training in a pool, and a dive of 6 m. is 380.000 Ariary
Kite Surfing
(Mid May – September)
Wind under the wings – or rather board – is a sensational addition to your stay. In collaboration with a trusted partner, we offer kite surfing in two variations; Kite Surfing lessons with an instructor, and leasing of equipment.
The kite surfing center is on the southeast coast of Sainte Marie and has a lovely café just beside it, where you can enjoy lunch before or after going out with a kite!
Price of equipment leasing (Including an on-site live guard):
Half day: 150.000 Ariary
Full day: 220.000 Ariary
Price of lessons with instructor (including equipment):
1h: 160.000 Ariary
2h: 290.000 Ariary
6h: 750.000 Ariary
10h: 1.000.000 Ariary
